Holiday Happenings

Easter Egg Hunt Mar 24, 10am Sat. For ages 0-10. Easter bunny arrives at 10am; hunt begins at 10:30am. Free. Pleasant Hill Village, 1010 W. North St., Girard, 627-2181.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mar 17, 12-3pm Sat. Theme is ShamRock ‘n Roll. springfi eldirish.org. Downtown Springfield.

Fairs & Festivals

Annual Train Fair Mar 25, 10am-4pm Sun. Largest train show in downstate Illinois. Hosted by the Springfi eld Model Railroad Club. springfi eldtrainfair.com. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

Bark Park Bunny Bash Mar 25, 1-2pm Sun. An egg hunt for dogs. $5 donation per pup. Jacksonville PetSafe Dog Park, 894 E. Vandalia, Jacksonville, 245-4178.

DivaFest 2018 Mar 23, 5-11pm Fri. Featuring a live performance by The Hunks along with complimentary food, plus drinks, pampering and vendors. $5 advance, $20 advance VIP, $10 at door. wnns. com. 629-7077. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-7777.

Q.U.I.L.T.S. Biennial Quilt Show Mar 16-17, 10am-6pm Fri, 10am-4pm Sat. Featuring several hundred quilts, as well as demonstrations, a raffl e quilt, vendors and more. $7 single day; $10 both days. 899-6873. Orr Building, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., 725-8047.

SangCo Fair Pre-Party Mar 24, 5-11pm Sat. Featuring live music by The Shenanigans, plus information about this year’s fair, ground acts, grandstand entertainment and more. $5. sangcofair.com. 414-1753. Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 316 W. Birch St., New Berlin, 488-2685.

Books & Authors

Artful Readers Book Club Mar 28, 7-8:30pm Wed. Discussion of Edwards Dolnick’s The Forger’s Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century. Ages 21+. Free. springfieldart.org. Springfield Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523- 2631.

Literary Springfield Then and Now Mar 28, 6-7:30pm Wed. Town hall meeting features authors Jackie Jackson and Shawna Mayer in a discussion of key literary fi gures of the past. Free. il200springfield.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Poets in the Parlor and Open Mic Mar 25, 2-4pm Sun. Open mic event followed by featured author Amy Sayre Baptista. Free. vachellindsay.org. Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site, 603 S. Fifth St., 524-0901.

Third Thursday Reading Series Mar 15, 6-8pm Thu. Open mic event followed by a reading from featured author Dr. Deborah Brothers. Free. twelvewinters.com. Sherman Public Library, 2100 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2496.

Spoken Word

Singers, Poets and Activists Open Mic Mar 16, 7-9:30pm Fri. Featuring themes of survivors, sexual/ gender inequality, and dreams of a better future. Free. prairiecasa.org. 744-2560. Black Sheep Cafe, 1320 S. Eleventh St., 847-428-0562.

Theater & Comedy

Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Show Mar 16-17, 23-24, 6:30pm Fri-Sat. Presented by Springfi eld Theatre Centre. springfieldtheatrecentre.com. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Comedian Bob Jay Mar 16-17, 9:30pm Fri-Sat, 7:30pm Sat. Known as the “Man of 999 Voices.” $14, $16. donniebs.com. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 3455 Freedom Dr., 391-JOKE.

Comedian David James

Spaliaras Mar 16-17, 8-9:45pm Fri-Sat. Quick-witted comedy by Indiana University and The Second City Chicago alum David James Spaliaras. $12.50.mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Comedian Peter Daniel Mar 23, 8-9:45pm Fri. Standup comedian focuses on the struggles of parenting, marriage, and growing up fi rst generation Mexican-American in the Chicago suburbs. $5. mclimits.com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482- 5233.

Costaki Economopoulos Mar 24, 8-9:45pm Sat. Talented joke writer who has been heard on “The Tonight Show,” Showtime, BET, MTV, “The Bob and Tom Show” and in The Huffi ngton Post. $20. mclimits. com. Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Mar 16-18, 24-25, 7pm Fri-Sat, 2pm Sun, 2pm Sat (Mar 24). A romantic and beloved take on a classic fairy tale. Presented by the Hoogland Education Department. $12, $16, $18. hcfta.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523- 2787.

Kinky Boots Mar 25, 7pm Sun. Featuring songs by Grammy- and Tony-Award winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper. $65+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Ladies First Mar 18, 3pm Sun. Reader’s theater performance of Ladies First: Letters of Martha Washington, Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison. Free with museum admission. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., 782-5764.

The Wizard of Oz Mar 24, 7-9:30pm Sat. Presented by Springfi eld Lutheran High School. $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. Lutheran High School, 3500 W. Washington St., 546-6363.

Music: General Events

Brown Bag Concert Mar 21, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Featuring musicians Devin Kemp (soprano) and Angela Pryer (piano). Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Brown Bag Concert Mar 28, 12:15-12:45pm Wed. Featuring Allison Baker Wehrle (oboe) and Angela Pryer (piano). BYO lunch or purchase one at the door for $5. Free. lincolnschurch.org. First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., 528-4311.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Mar 24, 7:30pm Sat. Featuring Felix Hell on organ. $23+. ilsymphony.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Side-by-Side Youth Orchestras Concert Mar 28, 7:30-9pm Wed. Featuring Musica Sinfonietta, violinist/soloist Kamen Petkov and his violin studio, and Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony’s Sinfonia Orchestra and Youth Symphony. $10 adults, $5 students. svys.org. Hoogland Center for the Arts LRS Theatre 1, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

The HillBenders Present The Who’s Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry Mar 23, 8pm Fri. Bluegrass opry conceived and produced by SXSW co-founder Louis Jay Meyers brings a new perspective to Tommy while paying total respect to its creators. $42+. sangamonauditorium.org. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, 1 University Plaza, 206-6160.

Dance Dance for Hope Mar 16, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. West coast swing dances every third Friday of the month. danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

Dance for Hope Mar 23, 7:30-10:30pm Fri. All styles of dance every fourth Friday of the month.danceforhope3111.com. Normandy Hill Plaza, 3111 Normandy Road, Suite 104, 522-9106.

The Fabulous Hoedads Mar 15, 7-10pm Thu. $5. Decatur VFW Post 99, 3920 N. MLK Jr. Dr., Decatur, 358-9273.

Art & Architecture

3rd Sunday Crafternoons Mar 18, 1:30-3:30pm Sun. Practice handcrafts in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Organized by Capital City Arts and Crafts. $5 adults; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Canvas + Cocktails: Joe Webb Collage Mar 16, 7-9:30pm Fri. Create crazy collages inspired by artist Joe Webb. BYO wine, cheeses, desserts. Ages 21+. Registration. $15 SAA members, $25 non. springfieldart.org. Springfi eld Art Association, 700 N. Fourth St., 523-2631.

Gertrude Abercrombie: Portrait of the Artist Mar 24-28. An interactive installation inspired by Gertrude Abercrombie’s art and life. On display through Jun 10. $5 adults; free to members, youth, seniors, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Grab-A-Java Art Show Mar 23, 5-9:30pm Fri. Featuring the banners of Grab- A-Java. Arlington’s Restaurant, 210 S. Broadway, 679-6235.

Herbaria and Otherwords Mar 22, 5:30-7:30pm Thu. Reception for “Herbaria and Otherwords” by local artist Ruthan Mazrim. On display through Apr 5. Free. llcc.edu. LLCC James S. Murray Gallery, Upper Level, Menard Hall, 786- 2219.

Paint Party Mar 22, 6-8:30pm Thu. Reservations by Mar 16. $35, includes all supplies and instructions. greenview.com. Green View Companies, 3000 W. Jefferson St., 787-4700.

Stillness Exhibition Mar 15-28. Exhibition celebrates the genre of still life as a refl ection of our modern life. On display through Jun 3. $5 adults, free admission to members, youth, seniors, military, veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Unsung Heroes Mar 15-28. Exhibition documents the stories of sacrifi ce and heroism of Anna Heistad, Minnie Vautrin and Thomas Jones through photographs and personal objects. On display through Jun 3. $5 adults 19-64; free to members, seniors, youth, military and veterans. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Film & Television

The Way Mar 22, 6-9pm Thu. Second film of the “Through a Different Lens: Cultural Perspectives through Film” fi lm series. Free. LLCC Trutter Center, 5250 Shepherd Road, 786-2200.

Children’s Corner

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Mar 24, 8-10am Sat. Free. cottonhillumc.org. Cotton Hill United Methodist Church, 5931 N. Cotton Hill Road, 529-2736.

Ernest and Celestine Screening Mar 25, 2pm Sun. Part of the SAA’s new Family Film Series. Film is rated PG. $6 adults, $3 children. springfieldart.org. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Boulevard, 888- 262-4386.

Project HOWL: Bear Care Mar 24, 1-3pm Sat. Ages 10- 12 learn about animals and their ecosystems and help enrich the lives of animals on zoo grounds. Registration. $13 residents and members, $15 non. springfieldparks.org. Henson Robinson Zoo, 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr., 585-1821.

Spotlight on Ice Mar 24-25, 2pm Sat-Sun, 7pm Sat. Featuring special guest Camden Pulkinen, 2018 US National Junior Champion. Presented by Springfield Figure Skating Club. General admission: $12 adults, $7 children 12 and under. On ice reserved: $23 front row, $18 other rows. sfsc4u.com. Nelson Center Ice Arena, Lincoln Park, 1601 N. Fifth St., 525-2589.

Wonderstruck Screening Mar 18, 2pm Sun. Part of the SAA’s new Family Film Series. Film is rated PG. $6 adults, $3 children. springfi eldart. org. 523-2631. AMC Parkway 8, 3025 Lindbergh Boulevard, 888-262-4386.

Science Friday Night Star Parties Mar 16, 23, 8-10pm Fri. Presentation and viewing of skies hosted by John Martin. Free. Weather questions, 206-8342 at 7pm or UIS Observatory on Twitter. uis. edu. UIS Brookens Library, One University Plaza, 206-6633.

Physics Festival Mar 16, 9am-1pm Fri. An exciting, interactive introduction to various scientific concepts in physics. Designed for youth, especially middle and high school students. Free. 245-3468. Illinois College Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center, 1101 W. College Ave., Jacksonville, 245-3000.

Nature Central Illinois Daylily Society Mar 18, 12:15pm Sun. Meeting with guest speaker. 787-7109. Rochester Public Library, 1 Community Dr., Rochester, 498- 8454.

Decatur Peregrines Mar 15, 6-8pm Thu. Raptor Focus Series presentation highlights the Decatur Tate and Lyle peregrines, the fi rst peregrine falcons to nest in central Illinois. Not recommended for children under age 6. $5. illinoisaudubon.org. Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, 2315 E. Clear Lake Ave., 544-2473.

Environment Attracting Pollinators Using Container Gardening Mar 28, 6-7:30pm Wed. Presentation by Susan Helm, Grace Norris and Chef Michael Higgings on ways business owners and home gardeners can promote pollinator habitats. SustainableSpringfi eld.org. 220-6206. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Lectures & Meetings Breakfast Optimist Club Mar 16, 23, 7am Fri. Every Friday. 546-5021. Peace Lutheran Church, 2800 W. Jefferson St., 546-7646.

Bursting Bubbles Volunteer Night Mar 19, 5-7pm Mon. Free. burstingbubbles.org. 335-2961. Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., 753-4900.

Celebrate Recovery Mar 16, 23, 6:30-8:30pm Fri. A Christ-centered recovery program for hurts, habits and hangups. livingfaithbaptist.org. Living Faith Baptist Church, 7575 W. Outer Road, Sherman, 496-2590.

CIDR’s Snowmobile Club Mar 21, 7:30pm Wed. Meetings every third Wednesday of the month. iasc.com. 306-4751. Bunkers Bar, 220 Old Route 36, Illiopolis, 486-5100.

Clinica de Migrantes Screening and Discussion Mar 21, 4pm Wed. Documentary about a year in the life of Puentes de Salud, one of the only health clinics in the US involved in the politically controversial practice of providing healthcare to undocumented immigrants. An ECCE Speaker Series program. Free. uis.edu. UIS Brookens Auditorium, One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Effective Communication Strategies Mar 15, 12-1:30pm Thu. Explore and identify strategies to help connect and communicate at each stage of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free. alzheimersillinois.org. 726-5184. Athens New Life Baptist Church, 207 N. West St., Athens, 636-8076.

Elkhart Historical Society Dinner Lecture Mar 16, 5:30pm Fri. Presentation by Chuck McCue titled “The Boys From Kentucky.” $40. Reservations. elkharthistoricalsociety.org. 947-2238. Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Governor Oglesby St., Elkhart, 947-2100.

Emotional Support Group Mar 26, 5-6pm Mon. Group meets every other Monday. Free. burstingbubbles.org. 335- 2961. Memorial’s Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller, 545-6314. GriefShare Mar 27, 6:30pm Tue. Nondenominational grief-recovery program utilizes video seminars, a workbook and a support group environment. Two-hour sessions weekly for 13 weeks. $15. 899-9418. Trinity Lutheran School, 515 S. MacArthur, 787-2323.

GriefShare Mar 19, 26, 6-8pm Mon. Tenweek seminar designed to help those who have lost someone significant in their lives. Free. 971-1615. First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Road, 793-9760.

Heads Up Group Mar 18, 2-4pm Sun. A support group for individuals who have had a traumatic brain injury. Free. 523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523- 0427.

Restoring the People’s House Mar 15, 7pm Thu. Presentation by Justin Blandford offers stories and insights about the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. Hosted by Friends of the Taylorville Public Library. Free. Taylorville Public Library, 121 W. Vine St., Taylorville, 824-4736.

Sex Addicts Anonymous Mar 17, 19, 21, 9am Sat, 6pm Mon and Wed. Three meetings every week for those seeking freedom from unwanted and/or compulsive sexual activity. For more information, call Bill at 306-7335 or email springfi [email protected]. Confidentiality assured.

Springfield Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon Mar 21, 11am-1pm Wed. “Dreams” luncheon. Special speaker Charlene Dennis with “My princess story, and this is no fairy tale.” $15. 303- 9768. Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

Springfield ICON Mar 26, 6:30pm Mon. Monthly meeting. Topics TBA. Free. springfi eldicon.org. 528-9803. First Church of the Brethren, 2115 Yale Boulevard, 523- 5212. Stamp Collecting Club Mar 19, 7pm Mon. Meets third Monday of each month. 546-5021. Carpenters Union Hall, 211 W. Lawrence Ave., 528-7571.

Welcome to America Mar 27, 5:30pm Tue. An immigration simulation led by UIS Assistant Professor of Legal Studies Anette Sikka. An ECCE Speaker Series event. Free. uis.edu. 206-8507. UIS Public Affairs Center (PAC), One University Plaza, 206-6073.

Bulletin Board

Annual Spring Coin Show Mar 25, 9am-4pm Sun. Central Illinois Numismatic Association show. 72 dealer tables featuring US and foreign coins, ancient and modern coins, gold and silver bullion, state quarters, paper money and more. $1 admission; CINA members and children under 16 free. 899-9996. Northfi eld Inn Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfi eld Dr., 523-7900.

VIPKid Workshop Mar 24, 10am-12pm Sat. Learn how to teach English online from home with Teacher Ashley and Teacher Annie at Panera. Free. anniefightspoverty@gmail.com or [email protected]. 765-532-2586. Panera Bread - Dirksen, 3019 S. Dirksen Pkwy, 529-6200.

Keep Calm and March On Mar 24, 6-9:30pm Sat. Silent and live auctions, plus food, fun and more. $25; $10 for ages 10 and under. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Post-Polio Group Mar 17, 10-12pm Sat. A support group for those who have had polio. Free. scil.org. 523-2587. Springfi eld Center for Independent Living, 330 S. Grand Ave. West, 523-0427.

Food Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Mar 17-18, 24-25, 8am-12pm Sat-Sun. Pancakes and sausage served with real maple syrup. Reservations recommended. $8 adults, $5 ages 3-12, free to ages 3 and under. lincolnmemorialgarden.org. Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr., 529-1111.

Springfield Winter Farmers Market Mar 24, 9am-12pm Sat. Seasonal farmers market features 16 local vendors selling a wide variety of fresh and/or locally grown products. ilstewards.org. 528-1563. Third Presbyterian Church, 1030 N. Seventh St., 528-0457.

Annual Breakfast Mar 15, 7-9am Thu. Hosted by Faith Coalition for the Common Good. faithcoalition-il.org. 626- 1004. Union Baptist Church, 1405 E. Monroe St., 544-8115.

Pancake Breakfast Mar 24, 8-10am Sat. In support of the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Illinois Chapter. $5. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill, 3335 Veterans Pkwy., 698- 0550.

History

Bicentennial Speaker Series Mar 18, 2-4pm Sun. Presentation titled “This Land Was Our Land: Native Americans, Globalization and Treaties” by Dr. Michael Wiant. Free. illinoisstatemuseum. org. 782-0979. Illinois State Museum, 502 S. Spring St., 782-7386.

Brown Bag Program: Harriet Tubman Mar 21, 12-1pm Wed. A Brown Bag Program presented by Kathryn Harris. Free. illinoisstatemuseum.org. 558- 6696. Illinois State Museum Research & Collections Center, 1011 E. Ash St., 785-0037.

Mr. Lincoln’s Hometown Civil War Round Table Mar 15, 7pm Thu. Presentation by Glenna Schroeder-Lein titled “A Civil War Veteran Goes on with his Life: James M. Taylor, 1865-1871.” Free. Books on the Square - Springfield, 427 E. Washington St., 965-5443.

Auditions Drummer Girl Auditions Mar 22, 25, 6:30-8:30pm Thu, 2-4pm Sun. Roles available for one mid-teen woman, three late-teen men and several adults. 899-5225. Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St., 523-2787.

Theatre in the Park Auditions Mar 24, 9am-3pm Sat. Positions available for characters ranging in ages from 5 to 70 years old. Preregister for a specifi c audition time for each show. theatreinthepark.net. Sherman United Methodist Church, 2336 E. Andrew Road, Sherman, 496-2338 Ext. 5.

Health Healing Yoga for Grieving Hearts Mar 15, 22, 7-8:15pm Thu. An all-level class focusing on poses that relax the body plus guided meditation to ease the mind. $50 per four-week session. ahhyoga.net. Ahh Yoga, 1051 Wabash Ave, 725- 2373.

NAMI Springfield Mar 21, 7pm Wed. Meetings fi rst Saturday (1pm) and third Wednesday (7pm) of the month. For families, caregivers, friends and those with mental illness. Questions, 522-3571. First Christian Church, 700 S. Sixth St., 528-3407.

Faith & Philosophy Belonging and Individuation Mar 18, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by psychotherapist and teacher Mary Ryan. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

Religion Renewed Mar 16, 7-8:30pm Fri. Various topics on spiritual subjects. Free. 546-9171. Springfield Baha’i Center, 1131 S. Eighth St., 544-9595.

Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography Mar 25, 10:30-11:30am Sun. Presentation by Rev. Martin Woulfe. Free. aluuc.org. Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 745 Woodside Road, 585-9550.

More events, more details in our online calendar at illinoistimes.com.

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